Introduction: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
is a lifelong disability that impairs 3 main areas: communication
skills, social interaction and behavioural patterns. The
cause of autism is not understood & families trying to cope
with ASD are searching for answers. Despite the increasing
involvement of parents as the child's therapist in interventions,
little is known about the effects of involvement on the
whole family. Parenting a child with ASD endures more stress
than parenting a child with any other disability & heightens
negative outcomes on health. The children & families living
with ASD face many practical & emotional challenges.

Objectives: Minimal research has focused on the
stress & impact on the parents & family of ASD children,
& in particular the origin of such stress & depression.
Consequently, the present study sought to explore the predictors
of stress levels of parents, as well as to examine the degree
of impact on the family a child with ASD has.

Methods: A combination of quantitative & qualitative
methods was used for this study. Self administered questionnaires
were sent to parents; (n= 71) as ASD and (n= 40) as control.
Questionnaires aimed to examine the mental status of parents
including stress, depression & anxiety, by testing the influence
of several variables on them. Six focus groups of the ASD
cohort were conducted to investigate in greater detail the
indicators of stress & to identify any other sources not
explored in the questionnaire. The combination of quantitative
& qualitative data enabled a complete holistic approach
to be achieved.

Results & Discussion: Children with ASD showed
significant learning and behavioural problems & parents
of ASD children had far greater levels of stress, anxiety
& depression. Key indicators in the questionnaires & focus
groups were the personal impact on parents & the social
limitations they experience. A key source of social limitation
is the unpredictability of the children's behaviours, and
the fear of them having a "meltdown". Focus groups represented
27% of the ASD cohort. They reinforced social & personal
factors, & highlighted the impact on siblings. Disappointment
with the medical profession was also identified in the focus
groups as a key issue for parents.